Calorimetry
Calorimetry - Precise measurement of heat, reactions and material properties
New: Calneos is now part of the Linseis Group
Calorimetry enables the precise determination of heat flows and energy conversions in materials under defined temperature or isothermal conditions. Through the exact recording of heat absorption and releasereaction enthalpies, phase transitions, glass transitions and thermal stabilities can be reliably analyzed – a decisive factor for research, quality control and material development.
Linseis has been developing and manufacturing high-precision calorimeters for a wide range of requirements since 1957: from compact DSC systems to specialized solutions for high-pressure, safety and battery tests. Whether polymers, pharmaceuticals, food, battery materials or chemical systems – the right solution is available for every application and every measurement scenario.
Our calorimeters work in accordance with international standards such as ASTM D3418, ASTM E1356, ASTM E1269 and ISO 11357 and guarantee reproducible, standard-compliant results for research and industry.
With the integration of Calneos Linseis is specifically expanding its expertise in the field of micro- and isothermal calorimetry for life sciences. life sciencespharmaceuticals and materials research. The Calneos systems enable highly sensitive measurements of the smallest thermal effects and open up new possibilities for analyzing biochemical reactions, binding processes and long-term stability.
You will find an overview of all calorimeter systems in our brochures. We would also be happy to advise you individually in order to define the optimum solution for your specific measuring tasks.
Our top calorimeters for maximum precision
UDSC L64-LT
CAL L92 - Micro-
calorimeter
UDSC L64 - Ultimate DSC
IBC L91 - Iso-
thermal
Battery Calorimeter
Calorimetry is one of the most important methods for determining heat flows and energy conversions in materials. It provides fundamental information on reaction enthalpies, phase transitions, glass transitions and thermal stability and enables the analysis of chemical, physical and biological processes under the influence of temperature.
Linseis has been developing and producing a comprehensive range of calorimeters for research and industry since 1957. The systems enable high-precision and automated measurements of heat flow, reaction behavior and material properties on solids, powders, liquids and biological samples in the temperature range from -180 °C to 1750 °C and under isothermal conditions.
Measured variables and applications:
Determination of the amount of heat and specific heat capacity
$$ q = m \cdot c_p \cdot \Delta T $$
Determination of the reaction enthalpy
$$ \Delta H = \int \dot{q} \, dt $$
Heat quantity and specific heat capacity
This basic equation describes the amount of heat q that a material absorbs or releases when the temperature changes. It depends on the mass m, the specific heat capacity cₚ and the temperature change ΔT.
It forms the basis of calorimetry and is used to determine thermal properties and energy conversions.
Determination of the reaction enthalpy in calorimetry
In the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) the heat flow q̇ is measured over time. The reaction enthalpy ΔH results from the integration of this signal.
In practice, this corresponds to the area under a peak in the DSC diagram and enables the quantitative analysis of processes such as melting, crystallization or chemical reactions.
Calorimeter types and measuring principles
Dynamic calorimetry (DSC)
Differential scanning calorimeters measure the heat flow of a sample during controlled heating or cooling programs. This allows glass transitions, melting and crystallization processes, reaction enthalpies and thermal stabilities to be precisely determined. This method is particularly well established in materials science, polymer research and quality control.
Isothermal and microcalorimetry
Isothermal calorimeters operate at a constant temperature and are ideal for slow reactions or very small heat effects over long periods of time. The Calneos systems within the Linseis Group specialize in micro- and isothermal calorimetry and enable highly sensitive measurements in life sciences, pharmaceuticals and materials development. Typical applications include enzyme and protein analysis, drug binding studies, crystallization and adsorption processes as well as stability studies.
Adiabatic and isoperibolic calorimetry
Adiabatic calorimeters prevent heat exchange with the environment, so that temperature changes result directly from the reaction. Isoperibolic systems, on the other hand, keep the ambient temperature constant and offer a practical balance between accuracy and technical complexity. Both concepts are particularly relevant for reaction studies and safety-related issues.
Combustion and special calorimetry
Combustion, bomb and insertion calorimeters are used to determine heats of combustion, calorific values or basic thermodynamic properties. They are used in the energy industry, materials testing and basic research, among others.
Measurement possible
Measurement possibly possible
Measurement not possible
| Messgrößen/Anwendungen | IBC L91 | UDSC L64 | CAL L92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasübergang (Tg) |  |  | |
| Phasenumwandlung / Schmelze |  | | |
| Reaktionsenthalpien (endo/exo) | | | |
| Aushärtung / Curing | | | |
| Kristallinität | | | |
| Reinheit / Polymorphismus | | | |
| Thermische / oxidative Stabilität (OIT) | | | |
| Spezifische Wärmekapazität (Cp) | | | |
| Batteriezellenanalyse | | | |
| Hochdruck-DSC (bis 150 bar) | | | |
| Langzeit-Stabilitätsmessungen | | | |
| Proteinstudien | | | |
Extensions
Various add-ons and expansion modules are available to make the most of the calorimeter’s performance. They make it possible to adapt the measuring system to specific applications, materials or process conditions.
Optional gas controls can be used to precisely set defined atmospheres such as air, inert gas or vacuum – ideal for sensitive, oxidative or reactive samples. High-pressure modules extend the measurements to higher pressures and open up additional possibilities for stability and reaction analyses, for example in the field of battery and safety calorimetry. For further investigations, systems can be equipped with gas analytics such as MS, FTIR or GC couplings to identify released gases in real time during the measurement.
Further enhancements such as automatic sample changers, calibration and safety devices as well as powerful software modules for data evaluation increase the efficiency, safety and reproducibility of the measurements.
This means that Linseis calorimeters can be individually configured – for maximum flexibility in research, development and quality assurance.
Are you interested in a calorimetry measuring device?
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Your benefits - Unique features of Linseis calorimeters
Linseis has been setting standards in calorimetry for decades.
Our systems combine maximum sensitivity, precise temperature control and modular flexibility – for reliable results in research, development and quality assurance.
1. highly sensitive sensor technology (UDSC)
The Linseis UDSC systems offer exceptionally high sensitivity for detecting the smallest thermal effects. Even minimal energy changes, such as those that occur during glass transitions, phase transformations or weak reactions, can be precisely detected.
The optimized sensor design enables excellent signal resolution and reproducible measurement results – ideal for demanding material analyses and research at the highest level.
2. isothermal precision for long-term and low-energy processes (CAL)
The CAL systems are specially designed for the high-precision measurement of the smallest heat flows under isothermal conditions. They enable the analysis of slow reactions, stability studies and long-term processes with maximum accuracy.
The stable temperature control and high signal stability make these systems particularly suitable for applications in the life sciences, pharmaceuticals and materials development.
3. safety and reaction calorimetry under real conditions (IBC)
The IBC systems enable calorimetric investigations under realistic conditions and are specially designed for safety analyses, battery investigations and reaction studies.
They provide precise data on heat development, reaction kinetics and thermal stability – even under demanding process conditions. This makes them a crucial tool for assessing safety risks and optimizing industrial processes.
Why Linseis - The difference in calorimetry
Long-term Investment with added value
At Linseis, the focus is not only on precision, but also on sustainable added value over the entire life cycle.
Our systems offer the lowest operating costs in their class – thanks to durable, low-maintenance components, robust design and intelligent software maintenance.
Fewer service calls, shorter downtimes and continuous remote updates ensure maximum system availability and future-proofing – for decades to come.
Customized Solutions – flexibility as standard
Every measuring task is unique – that’s why Linseis does not manufacture standard devices, but tailor-made systems, precisely tailored to your application.
Whether special furnace, special sensor technology, extended temperature range or customer-specific software integration – our experienced engineering team develops solutions that perfectly match your requirements.
With our modular product architecture, individualization becomes standard – fast, precise and reliable.
Technological pioneers and innovative strength since 1957
Linseis has been a technological pioneer in thermal analysis for over six decades.
With the highest in-house production rate in the industry and an excellent R&D department, systems are created that set new standards in precision, stability and adaptability.
From the mechanical structure to the electronics to the software, every core system element is developed in-house – for technologically perfect and uncompromisingly precise measurement technology “Made in Germany”.
Software expertise at the highest level
With the new LiEAP software suite, Linseis is redefining the standard in thermal analysis.
Modular in design, intuitive to use and equipped with state-of-the-art evaluation and remote functions, it ensures maximum efficiency, transparency and control at every step of the process.
Areas of application for calorimetry
Frequently asked questions about calorimetry
What is calorimetry?
Calorimetry is an analytical method for the precise determination of heat flows and energy conversions in materials. It involves measuring how much heat is absorbed or released during physical, chemical or biological processes. These measurements provide fundamental information about the thermal behaviour of materials and enable an in-depth understanding of reaction mechanisms, phase transitions and material properties.
In research and industry, calorimetry is an indispensable tool for characterizing materials, optimizing processes and evaluating safety-related issues. It is used across all sectors – from polymer and materials development to chemistry, pharmaceuticals and life sciences.
Which measured variables can be determined with calorimeters?
Calorimeters enable the quantitative determination of key thermal properties and processes. These include, in particular, the enthalpy of reaction (ΔH), heat flow and transition temperatures such as glass transition (Tg), melting and crystallization. In addition, the specific heat capacity (Cp) can be determined, which is an important parameter for the energy storage capacity of a material.
Thermal stability, oxidation behavior and reaction kinetics can also be analyzed. This multitude of measured variables makes calorimetry one of the most versatile methods of thermal analysis and enables comprehensive characterization of a wide variety of materials and processes.
What is the difference between DSC and calorimetry?
Calorimetry is the generic term for all methods for measuring heat and energy conversions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is one of the most important and most frequently used methods in this field. While calorimetry generally looks at the total amount of heat, DSC specifically measures the heat flow of a sample in comparison to a reference under defined temperature conditions.
This means that thermal effects can not only be detected, but also quantitatively evaluated. DSC is particularly suitable for investigating phase transitions, glass transitions and reaction enthalpies and is a key tool in materials research and quality control.
What is microcalorimetry used for?
Microcalorimetry is used to measure very small thermal effects with exceptionally high sensitivity. It is particularly suitable for applications where conventional calorimetric methods reach their limits. Typical areas of application include enzyme and protein studies, the analysis of drug binding and the investigation of cellular and metabolic processes.
Microcalorimetry is also frequently used for long-term stability studies and the analysis of very slow reactions. It provides valuable insights into complex biochemical and physical processes, particularly in the life sciences, pharmaceuticals and materials research.
Which materials can be analyzed with calorimeters?
Calorimetry is an extremely versatile method and is suitable for a wide range of materials. These include polymers and plastics, active pharmaceutical ingredients, foodstuffs, battery materials and chemical substances. Organic and inorganic materials as well as complex systems such as biological samples can also be analyzed.
This flexibility makes calorimetry a universal tool for a wide range of industries. It enables materials to be analyzed under realistic conditions and their behaviour under the influence of temperature to be understood in detail.
Which applications are particularly relevant in the industry?
In industry, calorimetry is primarily used in material development, quality control and process optimization. It enables the targeted analysis of reaction behavior, stability and thermal properties of materials and thus contributes to the development of efficient and safe products.
A particularly important area is safety analysis, for example for batteries or exothermic chemical reactions where the risk of thermal runaway must be assessed. Calorimetry is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to test the stability of active ingredients and in the chemical industry to optimize production processes.
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